South Carolina's governor asks residents to stand for anthem at home

Henry McMaster, the governor of South Carolina, has a request for his constituents. (AP)

Football fans generally stand for the national anthem if they’re watching at home or in a bar.

They stand in line for the bathroom, they stand in front of the fridge deciding what kind of beer to drink, they stand near the window with a phone to get a better reception when calling their bookie.

South Carolina governor Henry McMaster, however, wants fans in his state to stand at attention while Pink performs the national anthem before Sunday’s Super Bowl in Minneapolis

McMaster, who took office after Nikki Haley departed for the United Nations, even issued an official-looking proclamation designating Feb. 4 as “STAND FOR THE FLAG SUPER BOWL SUNDAY.”

“[I} encourage all South Carolinians to stand for the national anthem before Super Bowl LII to honor the service and sacrifice of generations of men and women of the United States Armed Forces,” the statement reads.

And no, this has nothing to do with McMaster heading into an election year against three Republican challengers. No siree. Nothing at all.

I ask that all South Carolinians show the world our state’s resolute commitment to supporting our troops by standing for the national anthem wherever you watch the Super Bowl with your loved ones this Sunday. #IStandpic.twitter.com/x5pK3zPNTO

Now the flag and anthem are supposed to represent all of America, not just our brave men and women in the military. But honestly, who’s keeping track any more after Donald Trump, Mike Pence and others used the anthem and the 2017 NFL season as a big ol’ wedge block to strengthen their base numbers?

Look, if you’re in South Carolina and want to stand for the anthem during what is ultimately a television show, stand for the anthem. If you want to check out another channel or wonder why your elected official isn’t spending his time more wisely, you can go ahead and do that too.